LeBron James Says #23 Should Be Retired by the Entire NBA

LeBron James is not just a talented basketball player, but he is also a student of the game. While he does have a fun side, like his desire to posterize a former President, he has always respected the rich history and tradition of the NBA and he showed it again yesterday. He responded to reporters’ questions by stating that he would love the opportunity to play with Michael Jordan, one of the greatest of all time.

After playing in front of Jordan in Miami last night, he went further than that though, saying he would even switch numbers. LeBron currently is number 23 on the Cavs, in honor of his childhood idol Michael Jordan. He claims he not only intends to switch numbers at the end of the season, but that he will begin a campaign lobbying for Jordan’s 23 to be retired throughout the league.

“I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized some way soon,” James said. “There would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant, no Dwyane Wade if there wasn’t Michael Jordan first.

“He can’t get the logo, and if he can’t, something has to be done. I feel like no NBA player should wear 23. I’m starting a petition, and I’ve got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it. Now, if I’m not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it.”

LeBron has been heralded as the next coming of Michael Jordan, the great NBA superstar of the next generation. His skills on the court have been reminiscent of Michael’s, posting amazing numbers and leading mediocre teams deep into the playoffs. That was similar to Michael’s early career, though Jordan broke through during the 1990-1991 season with the first of what would end up being 6 NBA Championships. Jordan also never got dunked on by a college kid while he was in the prime of his career, but I digress. LeBron has yet to win one, but the addition of Shaq to the equation may change that (it’s not looking good so far though). If LeBron can get to the top of the NBA mountain and win a few rings, then it is likely he will be considered one of the top 5 players of all-time, in that upper echelon with his idol Michael Jordan.